Wednesday Headlines: Reece Potter Reaches His Lifelong Dream

Miami (OH) v Indiana — Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

BBN is going to love Potter.

Good morning, BBN!

Reece Potter, a Lexington native and lifelong Kentucky Wildcats fan, has officially fulfilled his dream of joining the UK basketball program.

After two seasons at Miami (OH), the 7-foot-1 center announced Monday that he will transfer to Kentucky for his junior year, bringing his journey full circle. His commitment became official after a meeting with head coach Mark Pope, following weeks of quiet but serious talks with the staff.

David Sisk of Cats Illustrated got to talk with Potter about what this means to him.

Potter described the opportunity as “surreal,” adding, “It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to put on the blue and white… I probably don’t realize how crazy it is yet until I walk out in Rupp Arena.”

The whirlwind process began when assistant coach Cody Fueger contacted him, a moment Potter initially thought was a prank. But after visiting the Craft Center and speaking with Coach Pope, he was sold: “The jersey kind of recruits itself… the fans are crazy, and that’s who I want to play in front of.”

Potter will be on scholarship and will compete for playing time immediately. He highlighted his ability to stretch the floor as a “mismatch nightmare” and praised Pope’s offensive system, which mirrors what he ran at Miami and allows big men to initiate plays.

He sees himself helping others shine while also stepping up when the defense collapses: “As soon as they try to help in, I’m going to spot up and make it.”

As for next season, Potter is confident in the team’s goals: “I’m not coming to not play… That’s the main goal—to get everybody better, and to hang the ninth banner. That’s what the fans want, and it’s what I want.”

This is precisely the kind of player BBN will rally behind. It’ll be interesting to see how his role develops next season.